Using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), we developed a computational
approach to capture the photo-controlled radical polymerization ("photo-
growth") of polymer gels containing trithiocarbonate (TTC) groups within
the network strands. Using this model, we focused on a "primary gel" and
illuminated the sample to activate the TTCs, which then interacted with
monomer and cross-linker in the solution. At low TTC concentrations,
gels composed of compatible monomers formed two distinct, spatially
separated layers. Conversely, at high TTC concentration, gels formed
from incompatible components displayed a well-intermixed structure.
Hence, in the presence of light, variations in the TTC concentration
provide a new approach for controllably tailoring the structure of
polymer gels, and thereby tailoring the functionality of the network.